Comparative analysis of the intestinal microbiota of black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) in different wintering areas

Fecal microbiota is essential for host health because it increases digestive effectiveness. The crane species Grus nigricollis (G. nigricollis) is considered to be near threatened. The fecal microbial composition of crane is less understood, particularly in the Tibet, China. This study was performed to investigate the differences in fecal microbial composition and diversity of crane in different wintering areas using third-generation single-molecule real-time sequencing technology in the Tibet, China. According to the findings, 20 samples were used to generate 936 bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and 1,800 fungal ASVs, only 4 bacterial ASVs and 20 fungal ASVs were shared in four distinct locations. Firmicutes were the dominant bacterial phylum in all samples, and Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant fungal phylum. At the genus level, Lactobacillus was the dominant genus in Linzhi City (LZ), Shannan City (SN), and Lasa City (LS), whereas Megamonas was the dominant genus in Rikaze City (RKZ). Naganishia and Mycosphaerella were the dominant fungal genera in SN and RKZ. Mycosphaerella and Tausonia were the dominant fungal genera in LZ. Naganishia and Fusarium were the dominant fungal genera in LS. And the fecal microbial composition varied between the four groups, as shown by the underweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means and principal coordinates analysis. This study offers a theoretical basis for understanding the fecal microbial composition of crane.

A Systematic Study to Compare the Precise Implantation of Hololens 2 Assisted with Acetabular Prosthesis for Total Hip Replacement

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the precise implantation of Hololens 2 assisted with acetabular prosthesis for total hip replacement. A total of 80 orthopaedic doctors from our hospital are enrolled in this systematic study and these doctors are divided into following four groups based on the experience of doctors treatment for orthopaedic patients and the Hololens 2 assisted:Rich experienced group with Hololens 2, rich experienced group without Hololens 2, inexperienced group with Hololens 2, inexperienced group without Hololens 2. The abduction angle, the anteversion angle, the offset degree in the abduction angle, the offset degree in the anteversion angle in four groups are presented and these result are used to evaluate the accuracy of precise implantation of Hololens 2 assisted with acetabular prosthesis for total hip replacement. Finally, all date in this study is collected and analyzed. The total of 80 physicians are included in this study. The results show that the outcomes between rich experienced group with Hololens 2 and rich experienced group without Hololens 2 are significant difference, and the outcomes between inexperienced group with Hololens 2 and inexperienced group without Hololens 2 are significant difference. The result between any other two groups is no significant difference. Hololens 2 assisted with acetabular prosthesis for total hip replacement can improve the accuracy.

Alendronate Alleviated Femoral Head Necrosis and Upregulated BMP2/EIF2AK3/EIF2A/ATF4 Pathway in Liquid Nitrogen Treated Rats

Background

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) seriously affects the quality of life and labor ability of patients. It is urgent and vital to find the methods for necrosis clinical treatment.

Objective

This study aims to study the potential protective effects of Alendronate in the early stage of femur head necrosis.

Methods

Ten clinal ONFH tissue samples were employed. H&E staining was employed for the observation of the pathological characteristics of ONFH. The rat model (n=12) was established by the treatment of liquid nitrogen and then treated with Alendronate. The protein expression of BMP2, EIF2AK3, EIF2A and ATF4 were detected via Western blotting and IHC.

Results

Fibrin and necrotizing granulation tissue were observed in ONFH tissues with lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltrating in the necrotic area, exhibiting the inflammatory muscle with abnormal shape and color. In the Model group, the BMP2 and ATF4 were mainly distributed in the cell boundaries. The relative protein expression of BMP2, EIF2AK3, EIF2A, ATF4 was decreased in the Model group, compared to the NC group, which was partially recovered by the Alendronate application.

Conclusion

Alendronate application partially reversed the suppression of expression of BMP2, EIF2AK3, EIF2A, ATF4 caused by liquid nitrogen. Alendronate could be a promising strategy of curing ONFH via targeting BMP2/EIF2AK3/EIF2A/ATF4 pathway.

Comparison of total hip arthroplasty with minimally invasive SuperPath approach vs. conventional posterolateral approach in elderly patients: A one-year follow-up randomized controlled research

OBJECTIVE

To compare difference between SuperPath approach and conventional posterolateral approach in total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly patients.

METHODS

The present prospective randomized controlled single blinded study enrolled a total of 96 elderly patients who received THA in our hospital during April 2015 to December 2018. All patients were randomly divided into the SuperPath group and the conventional group. General demographic characteristics and intraoperative data, as well as hospitalization time were recorded. Harris scores were used for measurement of hip function and visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain measurement. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and creatine phosphokinase (CK) were measured before and 24 h after surgery. Gait analysis was conducted by the method of footprints.

RESULTS

The mean surgical time was remarkably longer, the mean blood loss and incision length were significantly lower and the hospitalization time was also shorter in the SuperPath group compared with the conventional group. Both levels of CRP and CK were remarkably lower in the SuperPath group. At time points of 7 d and 1 mon after surgery, the VAS scores were significantly lower, and at 7 d, 1 mon and 3 mon the Harris scores were markedly higher in the SuperPath group compared with the conventional group. The step length and stride speed were significantly larger in the SuperPath group at 7 d and 1 mon after surgery than the conventional group. Joint dislocation was found in 2 cases of patients in the conventional group and no dislocation case was found in the SuperPath group. The angles of anteversion showed no significant difference, while the angles of abduction were significantly lower in the SuperPath group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with SuperPath approach had lower levels of CRP, ESR and CK, better hip function and less pain, as well as better gait condition than patients with conventional posterolateral approach in elderly patients.

Articular Cartilage Stem Cells Influence the Postoperative Repair of Hip Replacement by Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Chondrocytes via PERK Pathway

OBJECTIVE

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is present in chondrocytes of osteoarthritis, and the intensity of ERS is related to the degree of cartilage degeneration. In vitro intervention strategies can change the status of ERS and induce the inhibition of ERS-related pathway. Therefore, this study is designed to explore the role and molecular mechanism of cartilage stem cells (ACSCs) of ERS in chondrocytes after hip replacement.

METHODS

Human cartilage cell lines C28/I2 were cultured as the control group. The ERS inducer was added into C28/I2 as ERS group. The third ERS + stem cells group was formed by adding cartilage stem cells into ERS group, and further transfection of si-PERK was defined as si-PERK + ERS + stem cells group. Cell cycle and apoptosis in the four groups were determined by flow cytometry. The protein expression of GRP78, PERK, ATF4, TMEM119, CDK4, Cyclin D, and BMP6 in chondrocytes in the four groups were investigated by western blot, and the distribution of PERK, TMEM119, and BMP6 in chondrocytes were observed by immunofluorescence assay. In addition, the transcriptional levels of Bcl2, Bax, and Caspase 3 were also determined by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

In cell cycle assay, ERS increased the accumulation of cells in G0 /G1 and G2 /M, while cartilage stem cells weakened the effects. The apoptosis rates in control group, ERS, ERS + stem cells, si-PERK + ERS + stem cells were 0%, 21.3%, 18.9%, and 15.9%, respectively, and the difference of apoptosis rate between the latter three groups and control group was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Stem cells could weaken the ERS-induced cell apoptosis, especially reducing the number of cells in the late stage of apoptosis from 5.4% to 1.1%. The protein level of GRP78, PERK, ATF4, TMEM119, and BMP6 in the group of ERS, ERS + stem cells, and si-PERK + ERS + stem cells were all significantly higher than those in control group, and the group of ERS + stem cells was the highest, all of the differences were significant (P < 0.01). However, the protein level of CDK4 and Cyclin D presented an absolutely opposite trend and the difference was still significant (P < 0.05). The group of si-PERK + ERS + stem cell was lower than those in the group of ERS + stem cell but higher than those in the group of ERS (P < 0.05). The level of Caspase 3 in the latter three groups was significantly higher than those in the control group, and the group of ERS was the highest (P < 0.01). Besides, the relative level of Bcl-2/Bax in control group was 1, but the group of ERS was about 0.5, and there was significant difference (P < 0.01). The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in the group of ERS + stem cells was more than 2 and significantly higher than those of other groups.

CONCLUSION

ACSCs could reduce ERS-induced chondrocyte apoptosis by PERK and Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway.

Lysosomal autophagy promotes recovery in rats with acute knee injury through TFEB mediation

Background

To study the role of lysosomal decomposition and elimination of old bone matrix, as well as the mechanism of promoting chondrocyte growth and bone recovery through the perspective of TFEB-mediated lysosomal autophagy.

Methods

Rat models of acute knee injury were designed, and autophagy flow was detected by injection of autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine. Autophagy flow was detected by RFP-GFP-LC3 double fluorescence molecule. The expression of TFEB, DRAM, MAPLC3, and MITF were analyzed by Western blot, and the expression of genes NITF, Bcl2, and TYR in rat cartilage tissues were detected by RT-PCR.

Results

The number of autophagosomes was increasing in the auto group compared with the inhibitor-auto group and normal group. There was a significant difference of LC3 levels in the auto group and inhibitor-auto group compared with the normal control. The expression of TFEB, DRAM, MAPLC3, and MITF proteins by Western blot analysis were significantly increased in the auto group and decreased in the inhibitor-auto group. The expression of NITF, Bcl2, and TYR by RT-PCR determination were higher in the auto group and inhibitor-auto group than the normal group.

Conclusions

Autophagy can inhibit apoptosis, promote chondrocyte growth and bone regeneration, and restore knee joint injury of rats. The main mechanism is to promote the effect of TFEB-mediated lysosomal autophagy.

3D Printed Model Used as Preoperative Tool for Treating Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation with Pre-Contoured Clavicle Hook Plate: Technical Note

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a new technique using real-size 3D-printed acromioclavicular joint models as preoperative tools for treating acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation.

METHODS

Both the injured AC joint and the mirrored normal side AC joint are 3D printed into real-size models. A proper hook plate is selected and pre-bended to fit the normal side AC joint. The bended plate is then used to perform a reduction operation on a real-size injured AC joint model and the result is compared with the mirrored normal AC joint model to see if the reduction is accurate.

RESULTS

It is easy to select and bend a clavicle hook plate to achieve an accurate reduction with the help of a 3D printing technique.

CONCLUSION

With this technique, surgeons can achieve an accurate reduction of the injured AC joint with a clavicle hook plate which might be helpful to reduce the risk of complications.

Preliminary exploration of a quantitative assessment index for the matching performance of anatomical bone plates using computer

BACKGROUND

To explore a new quantitative index to assess the matching performance of anatomical bone plates using digital technology.

METHODS

CT data of normal tibias of 40 adults were collected. Two brands of medial distal tibia plates were digitized. Two trained orthopedists simulated the surgical operation in Rhino 5.1 software by placing the plate curve on the medial distal tibia surface. The volume of the interstice between the plate curve and the bone surface was measured. The inverse value of this average interstice distance was used as the matching performance index (MPI). A wall thickness analysis tool was used to mark various interstice distances with varied colors.

RESULTS

The Kangli medial distal tibia plate had a MPI of 0.55 ± 0.08 by operator A and 0.55 ± 0.06 by operator B. The general care medial distal tibia plate had a MPI of 0.32 ± 0.06 by operator A and 0.31 ± 0.05 by operator B. There were significant variations in the MPI between the two types of plates by both operators (p < 0.001). And significant variations were observed in the MPI of general care medial distal tibia plates among various operator groups (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

This quantitative index of matching performance is straightforward and intuitive. However, we still need a method to improve the experimental repeatability, especially when it comes to a plate with poor matching performance.

Metagenomic analysis of captive Amur tiger faecal microbiome

BACKGROUND

The gastrointestinal tracts of animals are home to large, complex communities of microbes. The compositions of these communities ultimately reflect the coevolution of microorganisms with their animal host and are influenced by the living environment, diet and immune status of the host. Gut microbes have been shown to be important for human disease and health, but little research exists in the gut microbiome of the Amur tiger, which is one of the most endangered species in the world.

RESULTS

In this study, we present the use of whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing to analyze the composition and functional structures of the gut microbiota in captive Amur tigers. Our results showed a high abundance of four major phyla in captive Amur tigers, including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Fusobacteria. Moreover, at the genus level, Escherichia, Collinsella and Fusobacterium were most abundant in the captive Amur tiger fecal metagenome. At the species level, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium ulcerans and Fusobacterium varium were the species with highest abundances in the captive Amur tiger gut microbiota. The primary functional categories of the Amur tiger faecal metagenome were associated mainly with Carbohydrate metabolism, Membrane transport and Amino acid metabolism based on the KEGG pathway database. The comparative metagenomic analyses showed that the captive Amur tiger fecal metagenome had a lower abundance of Spirochaetes, Cyanobacteria and Ascomycota than other animals, and the primary functional categories were primarily associated with carbohydrate metabolism subsystems, clustering-based subsystems and protein metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

We presented here for the first time the use of the shotgun metagenomic sequencing approach to study the composition and functional structures of the gut microbiota in captive Amur tiger.

Metagenomic analysis revealed the effects of goat milk feeding and breast feeding on the gut microbiome of Amur tiger cubs

BACKGROUND

Ingredients in breast milk can help establish a healthy community of microorganisms in the infant gut, but no research exists regarding the effects of goat milk feeding and breast feeding on the gut microbiome of the Amur tiger, which is one of the most endangered species in the world.

METHODS

In this study, we used whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing to analyze the effects of two different feeding patterns, goat milk feeding and breast feeding, on the composition and functional structures of gut microbiota in Amur tiger cubs.

RESULTS

Goat milk-fed cubs have fewer beneficial bacteria and more pathogenic bacteria and a higher microbial diversity in their gut than breastfed cubs. A total of 15 genera showed statistically significant differences; the relative abundances of Streptomyces scabiei, Streptomyces avermitilis and Streptomyces davawensis were significantly decreased, whereas those of Niabella soli, Aeromonas media and Brochothrix thermosphacta were significantly increased in the goat milk-fed group compared with those in the breastfed group. At the functional level, carbohydrate metabolism, translation and replication and repair decreased, and amino acid metabolism, membrane transport and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins increased in the gut microbiota of goat milk-fed cubs compared with breastfed cubs.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate for the first time that the different milk feeding patterns of goat milk feeding and breast feeding can change the composition and functional structures of gut microbiota in Amur tiger cubs and that breastfed tiger cubs and goat milk-fed tiger cubs have distinct microbiotas in their guts.

Increasing Level of Leisure Physical Activity Could Reduce the Risk of Hip Fracture in Older Women: A Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

We carried out the study to investigate and quantitatively assess the potential association between current level of physical activity and the risk of osteoporosis hip fracture in older women. Relevant publications before October 2015 were identified using the PubMed and Ovid searching tools. A dose-response meta-analysis was carried out to combine and analysis results. Fourteen prospective studies were included in the meta-analysis. A general analysis of 9 studies showed a significant inverse relationship between increasing level of physical activity and risk of hip fracture in older women [relative risk (RR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.91-0.96]. The result of a sensitivity analysis was consistent with the general analysis (RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.93-0.96). The association between increasing level of physical activity and risk of wrist fracture was not statistically significant in a general analysis of three studies (RR = 1.004, 95% CI: 0.98-1.03). A potential direct association between increasing level of physical activity and risk of wrist fracture was observed after removing 1 study with the greatest weight (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.03). No significant publication bias was observed in our analysis. Our results show that increasing level of physical activity within an appropriate range may reduce the risk of hip fracture but not the risk of wrist fracture in older women.

Effects of a multichannel dynamic functional electrical stimulation system on hemiplegic gait and muscle forces

[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to design and implement a multichannel dynamic functional electrical stimulation system and investigate acute effects of functional electrical stimulation of the tibialis anterior and rectus femoris on ankle and knee sagittal-plane kinematics and related muscle forces of hemiplegic gait. [Subjects and Methods] A multichannel dynamic electrical stimulation system was developed with 8-channel low frequency current generators. Eight male hemiplegic patients were trained for 4 weeks with electric stimulation of the tibia anterior and rectus femoris muscles during walking, which was coupled with active contraction. Kinematic data were collected, and muscle forces of the tibialis anterior and rectus femoris of the affected limbs were analyzed using a musculoskelatal modeling approach before and after training. A paired sample t-test was used to detect the differences between before and after training. [Results] The step length of the affected limb significantly increased after the stimulation was applied. The maximum dorsiflexion angle and maximum knee flexion angle of the affected limb were both increased significantly during stimulation. The maximum muscle forces of both the tibia anterior and rectus femoris increased significantly during stimulation compared with before functional electrical stimulation was applied. [Conclusion] This study established a functional electrical stimulation strategy based on hemiplegic gait analysis and musculoskeletal modeling. The multichannel functional electrical stimulation system successfully corrected foot drop and altered circumduction hemiplegic gait pattern.

The Nature of the Co-Evolutionary Process

A business ecosystem is a community that consists of various levels of interdependent firms which co-evolve in an ongoing cycle and constantly renew themselves. By undertaking an in-depth, qualitative study of multinational companies in the mobile computing industry based in the Great China region, the United Kingdom, and the United States, we explore the nature of the co-evolutionary process and its influence on complex product development. We find that this process consists of three domains of activity: co-vision, co-design, and co-create. We also find that each domain of activity plays a different but important role in stimulating collaborative innovation for complex product development in the mobile computing industry’s business ecosystem. We also discuss the implications for theory and future research directions.

Food availability and animal space use both determine cache density of Eurasian red squirrels

Scatter hoarders are not able to defend their caches. A longer hoarding distance combined with lower cache density can reduce cache losses but increase the costs of hoarding and retrieving. Scatter hoarders arrange their cache density to achieve an optimal balance between hoarding costs and main cache losses. We conducted systematic cache sampling investigations to estimate the effects of food availability on cache patterns of Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris). This study was conducted over a five-year period at two sample plots in a Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis)-dominated forest with contrasting seed production patterns. During these investigations, the locations of nest trees were treated as indicators of squirrel space use to explore how space use affected cache pattern. The squirrels selectively hoarded heavier pine seeds farther away from seed-bearing trees. The heaviest seeds were placed in caches around nest trees regardless of the nest tree location, and this placement was not in response to decreased food availability. The cache density declined with the hoarding distance. Cache density was lower at sites with lower seed production and during poor seed years. During seed mast years, the cache density around nest trees was higher and invariant. The pine seeds were dispersed over a larger distance when seed availability was lower. Our results suggest that 1) animal space use is an important factor that affects food hoarding distance and associated cache densities, 2) animals employ different hoarding strategies based on food availability, and 3) seed dispersal outside the original stand is stimulated in poor seed years.

Clinical assessment of calcium phosphate cement to treat tibial plateau fractures

The aim of this study was to examine histological changes in bone morphology after surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures using calcium phosphate cement as a substitute for autologous bone grafting. A total of 42 patients with tibial plateau fractures were treated with open reduction, internal fixation, and calcium phosphate cement. A further 34 control patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Bone samples for histology were obtained during the surgery. Bone healing and functional recovery were assessed. Bone cell counts were significantly higher in samples obtained during the second surgery (81.2) compared with the first surgery (45.4, p < 0.001). Bone healing scores significantly increased with time after surgery ( p < 0.001). Mean Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores were rated “good” for both the calcium phosphate cement group (82.3) and control group (79.4) in 12 months, and were not significantly different between groups. Histological examination of samples obtained during the second surgery revealed well-arranged trabeculae, in addition to new bone and blood vessel formation. These histological, radiological, and functional findings suggest that calcium phosphate cement may be an effective substitute for autologous bone grafting to treat tibial plateau fractures.

Stress changes of lateral collateral ligament at different knee flexion with or without displaced movements: a 3-dimensional finite element analysis

OBJECTIVE

To create a 3-dimensional finite element model of knee ligaments and to analyse the stress changes of lateral collateral ligament (LCL) with or without displaced movements at different knee flexion conditions.

METHODS

A four-major-ligament contained knee specimen from an adult died of skull injury was prepared for CT scanning with the detectable ligament insertion footprints, locations and orientations precisely marked in advance. The CT scanning images were converted to a 3-dimensional model of the knee with the 3-dimensional reconstruction technique and transformed into finite element model by the software of ANSYS. The model was validated using experimental and numerical results obtained by other scientists. The natural stress changes of LCL at five different knee flexion angles (0 degree, 30 degree, 60 degree, 90 degree, 120 degree) and under various motions of anterior-posterior tibial translation, tibial varus rotation and internal-external tibial rotation were measured.

RESULTS

The maximum stress reached to 87%-113% versus natural stress in varus motion at early 30 degree of knee flexions. The stress values were smaller than the peak value of natural stress at 0 degree (knee full extension) when knee bending was over 60 degree of flexion in anterior-posterior tibial translation and internal-external rotation.

CONCLUSION

LCL is vulnerable to varus motion in almost all knee bending positions and susceptible to anterior-posterior tibial translation or internal-external rotation at early 30 degree of knee flexions.

[Production and identification of anti-paraoxon monoclonal antibodies]

Paraoxon (E600) was conjugated to bovine serum albumin(BSA) or tachypleus tridentatus hemocyanin (TTH) by diazotization. Two hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal antibodies(McAb) against paraoxon have been established by fusing mouse myeloma cells and splenocytes from Balb/c mice immunized with E600-BSA. The chromosomes of the hybridoma cell 2B10 were analyzed. The immunoglobulin of the McAb was classified. The affinity and specificity of this antibody were determined. The hybridoma cells have fairly reserved the antibody-producing capacity after continuously growing or stored in liquid nitrogen for 10 weeks.

[Injury to urinary system in the operation of gynecology]

OBJECTIVE

To reduce the incidence of urinary system injury from gynecology operations.

METHODS

26 cases with urinary system injuries during gynecological operations were analyzed from 1982 to 1996.

RESULTS

The incidence of urinary injury in this hospital was 0.34%, and injuries occurred most frequently in the bladder. Among the 17 cases of bladder injuries, 12 occurred during tubal ligation, 3 during cesarean section, and 2 in myomectomy. There were 9 cases of ureter injuries, 6 cases occurred in radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer, 1 in cesarean section with hysterectomy, and 2 in hysterectomy with broad ligament leiomyoma.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that it was important to be familiar with the regional anatomy, to operate strictly and separate those organs carefully in preventing the urinary system injury.

[A comparison between diltiazem SR and diltiazem HCL in the treatment of angina pectoris]

This study included 168 patients with angina pectoris, who were divided into two groups, the diltiazem SR (No. 88) group and diltiazem HCL (No. 80) group. The two groups were comparable in age and duration of coronary heart disease. The results were as follows: (1) The total clinical effect of diltiazem SR (94.3%) was slightly greater than that of diltiazem HCL (82.5%), the effect in ECG improvement was 53.3% and 53.4% respectively. (2) The rate of adverse effect was 12.5% in diltiazem SR group and 14.4% in diltiazem HCL group. It is concluded that the two different types of diltiazem have similar effect in the treatment of angina pectoris. However, it is more convenient to take diltiazem SR than diltiazem HCL as the former needs only twice a day.